ARK Home

ARK is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization consisting of an all volunteer network of State and Federally licensed wildlife rehabilitators. We take in orphaned and injured native Virginia wildlife for rehabilitation and release them back into their natural habitat.

ARK has rehabilitated and released over 30,000 native Virginia wild animals from 2000 - present.

WHAT IS A HOME REHABILITATOR?A wildlife rehabilitator is a volunteer that cares for our Native VA Wildlife. Donations are always needed to help with expenses and are very much appreciated. 100% of donated money purchases food, milk replacers, veterinary care, and housing of the animals in our care. Home rehabilitators affiliated with the Area Rehabbers Klub, Inc. take in over 1000 animals a year from the public. Of the 1000's of animals brought into our care, most rescuers do not leave a donation to help support the expenses. A.R.K wildlife rehabilitators as other home wildlife rehabilitators are dedicated and hard working to save Virginia’s native wildlife. The lack of funds through fund raisers and donations make this a challenge

Some home wildlife rehabilitators have full time and/or part time jobs and still take in a lot of animals to be rehabbed.

Some home wildlife rehabilitators have families that they juggle between rehab and kids.

Some home wildlife rehabilitators have both jobs and families and still do rehab. A majority of the cost comes out of their own pockets. Most people do not leave a donation when dropping off an animal.

All home wildlife rehabilitators have to pay for their own permits, caging and other housing that is needed to keep wildlife.

No home wildlife rehabilitator gets a paycheck, insurance, or any other benefits for wildlife rehabilitation. They do not have anyone to sponsor or donate to them to help with higher electric bills, water bills, and general household cleaners that are needed.

Many home wildlife rehabilitators take in 200 to 400 animals a year.

Home wildlife rehabilitators go through lots of building supplies, cleaning supplies, fruits, vegetables, chows and meats to keep the wildlife healthy, safe, and ready for release.

Animals that need veterinary care and medication are yet another expense for home wildlife rehabilitators.

The home wildlife rehabilitator works on the animals in their care around the clock by themselves. There are not paid staff members to help them.

Orphaned wildlife has to be fed by hand fed several times a day for 12 hours. Baby birds are hand fed every 15 minutes.

Most home wildlife rehabilitators will do intake all times of the day and night. They do this in the privacy of their home to help the rescuer and the animal.

Phone calls are returned in timely fashion if they are available. Remember, they have jobs and families and are not always able to get to a phone.

Many home wildlife rehabilitators have over 10 years of experience in animal husbandry, handling, dietary needs, veterinary care, and release procedures for Virginia’s native wildlife.

The home wildlife rehabilitator has to pay for their own continuing educational classes in order to renew their permit(s) annually. That cost can get expensive!

** The ARK Hotline will no longer be available as of March 20, 2019. To find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, please click on the following link to search for a wildlife rehabilitator near you:

https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/injured/rehabilitators/

Or by calling the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ toll-free wildlife conflict helpline at 1-855-571-9003, 8:00AM-4:30PM, Monday through Friday.